I broke my neck when I was 13 years old, and been in a wheelchair ever since. AMA.

Can you still get a boner?

Yup!

Are there any benefits that have come from this unfortunate accident?

I became such a better person. I was kind of a little punk before I got hurt. But I'm a lot more positive than I've ever been before.

I'm 21 and a c7 quad. I broke my neck last year and it's awesome reading this from you. There are so many times I want to just give up but I know I can still have a happy normal life. So thank you so much for this

Glad I could ya out. Just don't be so hard on yourself. I know how ya feel and it sucks ass a lot. Just got to keep your head up!

So because you can feel touch, does this mean you can have sex? Sorry if this has already been asked and or is too personal.

I was waiting for this. hahah. But yes, I can. My girlfriend is the only girl I've had sex with. I can stay hard for a while, but can't cum.

The best part.. Noo... Well, maybe you can make the proper neurological connections with proper therapy. You might find it someday! I hope it is at least enjoyable? I apologize again if this isn't something you want to talk about, but after all you are backed with the anonymity of the internet!

It is enjoyable! I love it. But I have no problem talking about any of this. It's kind of hard to offend me. I usually laugh at those who attempt to do so.

Did you get to masturbate before your incident, or were you a late bloomer?

Masturbating was my job, dude.

Oh good! I am just wondering if the "sensations" are pleasurable. Things that involve loss of feelings perplex me, I believe you are truly unique in the way you can still semi feel things. Terrible as it is, you may have gotten a small ounce of luck. Also, another question is how do you type? special adaptation stuff or voice? Thanks so much for the answers.

Kind of hard to explain, but I sit sideways and type with the knuckle of my one pinky. If that makes sense.lol. I have the Dragon Speak. But nobody got time fo dat!

So you are saying that typing with the knuckle of your pinky is more efficient than a program that can wreck a nice beach?

Yup. I do fairly well with after so many years.lol.

Sorry if you already answered this but how much upper body mobility do you have?

Just my arms really. My fingers barely work that much. I still manage to make them work though.

Considering that you prefer that method which sounds like it does take forever, then I could only imagine.. Indeed, AINT NOBODY! Thanks so much for those, this is my favorite AMA so far.

Hahah this AMA is giving me quite a work out. But gee, thanks! I really appreciate, and glad you enjoyed it.

Sorry, But I'm curious now, can you only stick to one position?

I'm usually on the bottom. We try sideways shit. I tried being on top once, it was quite difficult.lol.

Now I got deppressed, I don't have a girlfriend nor had sex ever

Give it time. Don't rush.

What do you want to do when you walk again (I'd be willing to bet science figures this out within 20 years)?

Ride and drive a car.lol.

How long have you and your girlfriend been together? How old is she? (sorry if personal.)

Little over a year. We met on tumblr/twitter. And she lives in Minnesota, while I live in Pennsylvania. She's 20.

howd you guys meet? just a random message?

Yeah, pretty much. I told her happy birthday in 2011 and that pretty much set it all off.

atta boy champ. I hope you and your gf have a long and prosporous relationship. On another note, is there any chance of you being able to walk again?

Thank you. I appreciate. But I don't think so. Unless stem cell gets going.

Would you recommend trying motocross to young children?

They have races for kids as young as 4 years old. Kids love it. My accident was kind of rare. Yes, people get really messed up riding/racing, but it's the risk you take.

Hi! In 2007, my husband broke his neck when he landed incorrectly, attempting a backflip.

After his injury, 2 months in a hospital, and extensive surgeries, he had a 100% personality change, by all accounts. He wasn't a super angry, bitter guy anymore, but turned into a kind, gentle sweetheart. We've done some research, and this seems like a common thing to go from polar ends of the personality spectrum following a traumatic injury to the neck or spine. Any major personality changes in your experience?

Like I've said, I'm so positive with everything anymore. I tend to stay on the bright side of things. And I tell myself that it could always be worse when I get down. I've seen people in way worse situations than me. I take notice and appreciate a lot in my life too.

And right after posting, I saw that answer. :P

The spouse likes to tell people that breaking his neck was the best thing that ever happened to him because of that. Now, you couldn't find a more pleasant, cheerful person, but according to everyone else, he was pretty much a dick before.

Anyway, I'll think happy thoughts for you and yours, and please accept these hugs from Utah: love

Glad he found the positive side! And thank youuu.

How did you adjust to the lack of mobility?

I did okay. I was young and didn't have much to really worry about anything. But I give a lot of credit to my parents. I need help with almost everything everyday. My Dad passed away when I was 14, but my Mom helps me with everything. And my girlfriend helps a lot when she can too. I love that I have so much support.

How did your dad die? That's awful. I'm so sorry.

Suicide. Parents went through a messy divorce.

I'm sorry. Hugs.

Appreciate it. hugs

I am sorry to hear about your dad. My dad did the same thing. Do you ever feel guilty? I am not trying to imply that you should.

I do some days. I wish I talked to him about how he felt more. He was very bipolar. So it could get scary at times.

Hows your momma? She sounds like a tough woman!

She's doing great. She can still lift me in and out of bed like it's nothing. Amazing woman I tell ya.

Any feeling below the waist

I can actually feel touch everywhere, but from my nipples down, I can't feel hot or cold.

So you feel touch in the legs? How old are you know? 17?

Yes. If you were to squeeze anywhere on my leg, I could feel it. It's rare for this to happen. I'll be 20 on Wednesday.

Happy early birthday, bro.

Appreciate it!

You're probably used to it by now, but was it awkward at first being 13 and your mom giving you a bath?

I am.lol. But yeah, it was. And still kinda is sometimes. Hahah.

You should start live-streaming video games that you play. You know, for money.

I play a few games since I modified my computer. I'll keep it in mind!

What is the most annoying thing about being in a wheelchair?

Can you drive?

How is your house adjusted for you?

Thanks for the AMA!

Most annoying thing is being so dependent and not being able to drive. I wish I could go and do things by myself. So that answers both questions. But I do plan on getting a van set up for me to drive.

And my Dad was very crafty. He built all my ramps and redid the whole game room into my room, and made me a shower/bathroom. I'll take picture tomorrow for you. Getting too dark for pictures outside.

How old are you now?

Sounds like you have a great family, how else is your house adopted for your living?

Sorry for being intrusive, I have plenty more questions if you don't mind!

I'll be 20 Wednesday. But just ramps really. Our counter top is extended a bit when we got our granite in, just so I could pull up underneath.

Keep em' coming. I'm open with this subject.

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Here's an example,)

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Oh I could! They have set ups so I could go right up to the steering wheel and drive that van. That's just kind of an example.

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Yup!

Thank you for the AMA. you seem like a great kid, you've lightened my spirits with your attitude. Who are some of your favorite bands? Do you live by any ski areas? have you tried assisted sit-skis and stuff? i used to assist at Adaptive Sports Center in Crested Butte, Colorado and i know there are a number of these types of rec centers across the country.

I'm glad I've done so! But I listen to a lot of metal. Metallica, Lamb Of God, Alice In Chains, Chevelle, Heaven Shall Burn, Volbeat, ect. I'm really not a winter person.lol. Sorry to burst your bubble. But props to you for helping them. I know people who've done it, and they love it.

I'm sorry for your accident. My late mom contracted polio and spent her life in a wheelchair after age 29 until her death at 51. She was luckily "only" a paraplegic. She did well raising three children with my (drunken) father and the help of our grandmothers.

Jeez. That's incredible of your mother. I'm not very educated on polio, but it's very serious from what I know. Sorry to hear about your loss though.

whats the thing you miss most since you broke your neck?

Honestly. Cleaning and building stuff with my dad. I was so hands on with everything and neat freak.

How did you react to the news that you wouldn't be able to walk?

I don't think they ever told me. I was so drugged up I can barely remember the first week or so I was in the hospital. My parents just made sure I was happy and in a positive mood a lot of the time.

How'd you meet your gf?

Scroll for it. I just answered this.

what was high school like?

I went back in 7th grade. But had a lot of health issues, so I got home schooled all through high school.

man, you make me feel really lucky. I used to race motocross myself, and had to stop because I got in a collision with another rider and now I have carpal tunnel. I miss it so much. What kind of bike did you ride? Do you still have it?

Sorry to hear. But I had a KX 250F. And no, sold it to a close friend who kept it alive until it blew up.lol.

did you have to relearn anything you could easily do before your injury? how well have you recovered to present day?

EVERYTHING. Texting, Typing, eating, brushing my teeth, ect. I forgot to mention I'm a quadriplegic.

how long did it take to get back to where you are now?

um, probably around 2 years.

have you ever seen legit?

one of the main characters is disabled, and they deal with it in a hilarious but also respectful and sensitive manner. that actually describes the tone of the whole show. I'd recommend it to anyone who can take a little vulgarity with their humor

I'll defiantly check it. Kind of sounds like my life!

Did they have to fuse your vertebrae, or could they just stabilize you in a brace since there wasn't much risk or you twisting too much?

They fused them together with a little plate and 6 screws. Had one of those neck braces on for a while though.

Are affiliated with any religion at all? Sorry, just when I read that you still have feeling, and you said it is rare, I couldn't help but think that maybe you've thought it could have been worse and have thanked some higher power that you believe in.

EDIT: Glad to see you're so positive! Very inspiring.

No, I don't believe in God's and such. People say they pray for me and everything, which I don't mind at all. I just never got into it. I just believe in, "luck" and "shit happens". hahah

For a second I thought you're girlfriend was your sister from the first photo (on the day of the accident) and thought: Ohhh... But now I know I was wrong, anyway, good thing you're doing good. Now on to my question. What do you plan to do now that you're incapacitated? Like as a job? I don't want to be mom but just wondering and what did you want to do before the accident?

Lol glad you got it cleared up. But I'll probably do something in the computer field. If love to make an addicting game for iPhones or something. Or even some kind of graphic designer. But before my injury? I couldn't tell ya.lol. Sorry!

What do you do for fun?

I play a lot of games on my phone and computer. Go to Flyers games. I still go to local races to see friends, and go watch the pro racing once a year down in Maryland.

I dated a girl who's dad had a spinal injury that left him in a wheel chair ( also a quad). He often talked about how portions of his body (from the chest down) felt like pins and needles. The sort of feeling like when your foot/arm falls asleep.

Do you feel this? I'm curious to understand if this is a regular symptom.

Um, not just randomly. Usually when I leave my textbook on my lap for a while my legs will start feeling like that a bit.

Your'e a pretty inspirational guy. What do you want to do in the future? Any jobs interest you? Would you have to work from home?

I'd love to make game apps. It's a hot market. I do coding every once in a while. Graphic design would be good too.

This might be of help for coding: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8SkdfdXWYaI

Thanks!

i'm sorry to hear that buddy. I really am. thankfully you have a girlfriend and a community that is here for you

Appreciate it!

I have a buddy who is a paraplegic from an accident at a lake so this kinda hits home. props to you for doing this. I wish you the best of luck and hope you can gain some independence in life.

Thank you! Hope all goes well for your bud as also.

Did you ever get bullied because of this?

Not yet.lol. But my buddies and I joke around with it a lot.

Glad that you're joking about it.

My mother is in a wheelchair, too. Sometimes, when we're at a restaurant, I tell her "You can't get up until you finished your plate!" the horrified looks make us laugh everytime.

Have a nice day. :)

Hahaha! My Mom always tells my girlfriend to go upstairs if I piss her off since I can't go up them.lol.

How do you take a shit? (´･ω･`)

Hahah this one is going to be kind of weird/awkward. But I shit in my bed. No joke.lol. I take laxatives the day before, and lay on my side with this thing called a chux, slide it under my butt, and let er rip! It's and odd way, but it works!

Fair play for keeping the attitude positive man good on ya, p.s. your sister is/was/will be pretty hot!

Waaaatch it buddy. Hahaha

Is it offensive to say nice wheels to someone in a wheel chair?

Hahah nope. I get it all the time. Don't be afraid to joke around with wheelchair people. Most have a good sense of humor.

I'm physically impaired as well (I have very bad legs).

Would you mind giving a quick run down of what you current life consists of? You seem really proactive about your condition. What do you do in your free time? Do you work? I find myself bored and distracted because of the pain, sometimes.

I probably sound like I do a lot. But really I spend a lot of time on the computer. I play a lot of games. I don't work or am enrolled in any schooling. But I do get bored at times. I been getting into gaming. /r/buildapc and /r/gaming helped me a lot. But I also go to hockey games too. You just got to find things you enjoy. It's hard to stay busy while you have an disability. Netflix will keep you busy too! Lol.

Netflix is the best thing in the world.

How do you survive, financially? I'm in the UK and we have a lot of "undemocracy" about these days. I've been told I might not be able to walk without great trouble and I'm kind of worried about it.

What games do you play?

I'm not sure how the UK works with disability stuff but my mom actually gets paid to take care of me. Plus I'm on disability. So it helps a bit.

But I play a game called MX Simulator and SimCity. SimCity is a pretty fun game to kill the time. I high suggest it. I had to modify my tower so I could run better graphics, but it's a fun game to mess with. It gets pretty stressful too.lol

Which arm is stronger? Is there any way you can work out your upper body?

My right for sure. Mostly because I type with that hand/arm. And I have these rubber band things I hook to my foot plates and I can do curls in my chair.

You can play video games?

Yup. I figured out a way to hold my controller so I can play certain games. Mostly into racing games though.

Is there anything about the accident that could have been preventable? Did you wear a helmet?

Glad to see you're staying upbeat and positive. Way to be.

Of course I did! But about 2 weeks after I got hurt they came out with these new neck braces that almost everyone wears anymore. Kind of a bummer on my part.lol.

is it hard for you to eat bananas or apply chapstick?... also, on a serious note, what has been the greatest revelation or change in your philosophy of life that has come out of all of this? :)

Hahahah not really. But I just appreciate life a lot more. I'm generous and don't get mad over stupid shit. I always want to help anyone if I can.

Any plans for the future?

Why is your sister smiling in the photo?

Well we're planning on moving to a smaller house. Hard to afford what we have now. But might do some community college before I pick something serious. Most likely computer science field.

Think I was being goofy and had everyone laughing. So they were all in a decent mood I guess.lol.

Do you ever forget you are paralised and try do do something? For example, do you ever wake up and TRG to get out of bed, then remember.

I remember one time my Mom told me to come to her and it seriously felt like I was about to just stand up out of my chair and walk over. It was pretty freaky.lol.

Thanks for doing this AMA, I'm reading a lot of it!

Is it uncomfortable to sleep? Also random, what kind of music are you into?

Not really. I just stay on my side most of the night. But there are nights where it's a pain in the ass.

Mostly metal. Metallica, Volbeat, Lamb of God, Chevelle, Alice in Chains, ect.

Glad you're enjoying my AMA!

Can we see a current picture?

I'll make an edit in the text above. Give me a sec.

I fell off a balcony and broke my c6 and c7 vertebrae. Do you also have a metal plate kind of near your adams apple? I have been upset because I can barely do a lot of the working out I used to now because of it, and now I feel I have nothing to complain about.

My bones were very close to a lot of nerves, and I could and should have been paralyzed.

It's nice to see that you are in good spirits!

Mines in back. Just a little plate with screws. Take it easy on yourself, stay in good spirits also!

How are you typing right now? Do you have someone doing it for you?

I type with my pinky knuckle.

I read almost all the replys on this AMA and I have to say you are the most inspirational person I've read about. I wish the best for you and hope you have a wonderful future. Stay strong :)

On a side note you wanted to learn some coding?

http://www.codecademy.com/

Well thanks! And that's exactly what I use. Great site to learn.

What was puberty like?

Already went through most of it before I got hurt.

You mention you play video games and computer. How do you do this being paralyzed? (No disrespect intended with my question.)

I hooked my ps3 controller up to my PC and play a game call MX Simulator. Dirt bike game obviously. But I manage a way to hold my controller to where I'm able to play. And I play SimCity here and there.

Are you happy and content, or do you feel bad and depressed about how your life could have been had you not had the accident?

I'm defiantly happy. I get down in the dumps at times. But I'm in a good mood most of the time. But I do think about what it would be like if I could still walk too.

I'll be honest, this is kind of cool for me because I took a neural anatomy course in uni and it covered injuries to the spinal cord. It was fun trying to remember what I learned and using it to diagnose you. So...thank you, I guess.

Anyways, you seem like a pretty cool guy! Have any hobbies?

Haha it's very interesting! But I'm into a lot pc gaming and recently RC helicopters.

If you had kids, would you let this race motocross? Or, would you think that the potential risks outweigh the benefits?

I'd let them. I can't dwell on my mistakes and then force them on my kids. But I'd let them try it for sure.

So you said your fingers have little to no movement, how do you type or use a mouse?

It's the knuckle on my pinky. Kind of hard to explain.lol.

What type of bike did you ride? Also what track? Edit: you already answered the first question

Track called Blue Diamond in New Castle, DE.

Oh that's cool, I ride and race in Canada.

Tracks thaw out yet? lol

Lol, some. Mainly down in southern Ontario. Most the ones that are close to me are pretty much still snow covered.

lol I hear ya. Have a safe season!

So what muscles do you have use of and which ones do you not have use of?

My neck muscles and biceps are pretty much all i have. Everything else is not much. You realize how often your fingers come in handy once they're taken away.

At age 13, how difficult was the transition?

Probably understanding my body. Everything reacts differently. I have a lot of muscle spasms now, but they feel good sometimes because they help me stretch and what not.

What type of bike where you on at the time of the accident?

KX 250f.

Any idea why the bike shut off? And why would this cause the front end to dip?

When you pull the clutch in a Tap the back break it'll level your bike out in the air. But I didn't pull the clutch in far enough and the back tire locked up and lost my momentum in the air making the front end drop.

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The fuck?